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Goa Travel Information

The Basics

Time

GMT +5.5

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of power outlets are used in India, but most plugs have two or three round pins.

Language

Although English is generally used for official and business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official languages

Travel Health

There are many health risks associated with travel to India and
although no vaccinations are required for entry into the country
travellers should take medical advice on vaccinations at least
three weeks before departure. Outbreaks of dengue fever and
chikungunya virus occur, both transmitted by mosquitoes. Malaria
outbreaks are common in areas above 6,562 feet (2,000m),
particularly in the northeast of the country. Outbreaks of cholera
occur frequently. Travellers from an infected area should hold a
yellow fever certificate. Rabies is also a hazard, and should you
get bitten by a dog, cat or rat it is best to consult a medical
practitioner immediately. Travellers to the Himalayan Mountains
should also be aware of the risks of altitude sickness.

Food poisoning is a risk in India: all water and ice should be
regarded as contaminated, and visitors should drink only bottled
water and ensure that the seal on the bottle is intact. Meat and
fish should be regarded as suspect in all but the best restaurants,
and should always be well cooked and served hot. Salads and
unpeeled fruit should be avoided. Diarrhea is common among
travellers to India and is best treated with re-hydration salts;
however, if symptoms persist for more than two days visiting a
private hospital is recommended.

Health facilities are adequate in the larger cities, but limited
in rural areas. Travellers should have comprehensive medical
insurance, and carry a standard first-aid kit complete with a
course of general antibiotics.

Tipping

In India, taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped; however,
tipping is expected for other services (porters, guides, hotel
staff and waiters in small establishments). In tourist restaurants
or hotels a 10 percent service charge is often added to bills.
'Baksheesh' is common in India: more a bribe than a tip, it is
given before rather than after service.

Safety Information

Travellers in India must be aware of, but not paranoid about,
the threat of terrorism. Recent attacks in Mumbai, Delhi,
Ahmedabad, Agra and Bangalore occurred in popular tourist haunts
like hotels, railway stations, markets and temples. There is the
threat that public places frequented by Western tourists in the
metropolitan centres (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai) may be
targeted in future. Tourist areas such as Goa are also at risk.
Travellers visiting large religious events are advised that these
ceremonies, which attract hundreds of thousands of people, can
result in life-threatening stampedes. Generally speaking it is best
to avoid big crowds, but this is very difficult to do in India.

On a more everyday level, there is a risk of minor property
left, such as pick-pocketing, but incidents of violent crime in
India are low. Travellers using India's vast railway network are
advised to lock their baggage, and to keep it as close to them as
possible. There are also always stories about India involving
scam-artists - so be on your guard, and if someone offers you a
'business opportunity' that seems too be good to be true, remember
that it probably is.

Female travellers should note that rape is a problem in India,
and there have been incidents of rape and assault on public
transport. Women should avoid travelling alone after dark and avoid
travel to secluded rural areas.

Local Customs

India is a tolerant society, but visitors should educate
themselves about the countries religious and social customs so as
not to cause offence: for example, smoking in public was banned in
2008. When visiting temples visitors will probably be required to
remove their footwear and cover their heads. Generally, women
should dress more conservatively than (perhaps) they are used to
doing at home, both to respect local sensibilities and to avoid
unwanted attention. Topless bathing is illegal. Indians do not like
to disappoint, and often instead of saying 'no', will come up with
something that sounds positive, even if incorrect. Social order and
status are very important in Indian culture - remain respectful and
obliging with elders. Avoid using your left hand, particularly when
eating.

Business

Business in India is conducted formally, with punctuality an
important aspect. Suits and ties are appropriate, and women in
particular should dress modestly. If it is very hot, jackets are
usually not required and short-sleeve shirts are deemed
appropriate. It is customary to engage in small talk before getting
down to business, and topics can range from anything from cricket
to politics. Business cards are usually exchanged on initial
introduction, using the right hand only. Handshakes are fairly
common, though one should wait to see if greeted with a hand, or a
'namaste' - a traditional Indian greeting of a small bow
accompanied by hands clasped as if in prayer. Visitors should
return the greeting as it is given. It is common for women to
participate in business meetings, and hold high positions in
companies, and foreign businesswomen are readily accepted. Business
hours are usually from 9.30 to 5.30pm (weekdays) with a lunch break
from 1pm to 2pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.

Communications

The international access code for India is +91. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Delhi.
International calls can be quite expensive and there are often high
surcharges on calls made from hotels; it is cheaper to use a
calling card. Alternatively, there are telephone agencies in most
towns which are identifiable by the letters STD for long distance
internal calls and ISD for the international service. The local
mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements
with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in
the main cities and resorts.

Duty Free

Travellers to India over 17 years do not have to pay duty on 200
cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; one bottle of alcohol;
medicine in reasonable amounts; 59ml of perfume and 250ml eau de
toilette; and goods for personal use. Prohibited items include
livestock, bird and pig meat products.

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